Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is a stunning ornamental plant known for its soft, silvery-white foliage that adds a beautiful contrast to any garden. Growing up to 12-18 inches tall, its finely cut, velvety leaves create a striking texture that complements colorful flowers and greenery alike. The drought-tolerant nature of this plant makes it a resilient choice for sunny landscapes, thriving with minimal care. Its ability to withstand heat and dry conditions ensures a long-lasting display throughout the seasons. With its luminous foliage, Dusty Miller looks stunning in flower beds, borders, or containers, providing a unique, elegant touch to any setting. The silver-toned leaves even intensify in color under bright sunlight, making it a standout feature in gardens both day and night. Attracting pollinators while being resistant to deer, it offers beauty and practicality in equal measure. Whether used as a backdrop for vibrant blooms or as a statement piece on its own, this versatile plant is a perfect choice for bringing contrast and texture to any space.

Also Known As: Dusty Miller, Senecio Cineraria, Silver Ragwort, Jacobaea Maritima, Silver Dust, Cineraria Maritima, Maritime Ragwort, Silver Groundsel, White Ragwort, Snowy Cineraria, Silver Lace.

Plant Name:	Dusty Miller
Latin Name:	Jacobaea maritima, Senecio cineraria
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	90-120
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	1 - 2 Feet
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	4-10
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 7-10
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 1-2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier growth, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 10-15 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 8-12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds.In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered then covered with soil. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 8-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	8-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	1-2 feet

Care During the Season:

Dusty Miller is a resilient plant that can flourish with minimal maintenance. Regular watering is needed during hot, dry spells, but it’s essential to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring encourages healthy growth while maintaining its signature silvery foliage. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and resists pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, or garden beds. In colder climates, Dusty Miller can be treated as an annual, but in milder regions, it may overwinter and continue growing year after year.